ICYMI: What's Happening Around the Industry

Welcome to our weekly roundup of noteworthy outdoorsy headlines. We’ve combed the social networks and scoured the news outlets to curate some of the most relevant and most intriguing stories out there. Read. Enjoy. Share.

May 11–May 17, 2017

Ask Not What The Outdoors Can Do For You, Ask What YOU Can Do For The Outdoors

For starters, you can write a letter. It’s quick, we promise, and it could save the 27 national monument sites currently under review by the Department of the Interior. First at bat? The current epicenter of the public lands battle: Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. Secretary Zinke recently visited the highly contested land, and now he wants to hear from the American people. You have until May 26 to make your case for why this monument should remain intact. If you’re counting, that’s nine (9) days.

P.S.: Already sent your public comment on Bears Ears? Don’t kick your feet up yet; the deadline for comments on all other monuments under review is July 10. Keep writing. We have the full list of monuments under review–and steps for taking action–here. Not exactly sure what all the fuss is about? Yes!Magazine breaks it down.

2017: The Year of the Outdoor Advocate? Climbers Think So.

They say the squeaky wheel gets greased, and it’s been a veritable squeak parade in D.C. for the past few weeks as outdoorists have rushed the capital to spread our message. In April, OIA brought more than 120 outdoor executives to the hill to lobby for outdoor recreation and trade policy during our biggest #CapitolSummit yet. Last week it was Access Fund’s and American Alpine Club’s turn to keep the outdoor advocacy momentum alive during their #ClimbTheHill event. Professional climbers like Alex Honnold, Sasha DiGulian, Tommy Caldwell, and Caroline Gleich joined board members, business owners, and media for a day of lobbying on issues like the economic impact of climbing and the Antiquities Act. Concluding the event, Senator Tim Kaine spoke about the importance of the outdoor recreation economy during a standing-room only congressional briefing. Take a peek into athlete Sasha DiGulian’s perspective of the experience. Keep climbing, advocates.

In The Loop with Hick

Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper is the peanut butter to outdoor recreation’s jelly. A geologist-turned-brewer-turned-mayor-turned-governor, he’s always been an ally of the outdoor industry. You can get to know him a bit better in this interview from Elevation Outdoors, in which he covers everything from growing crowds on public lands to the state’s bid to snag Outdoor Retailer. Oh, and he also dishes about the beers on tap at the Governor’s Mansion. Want more Hick? Check out our Q&A with the guvnah.

One Fish, Two Fish. I Fish, You Fish.

Noticing an abundance of fly-fishing photos in your Instagram Explore feed? Neighbors coming home with a fresh catch for dinner every weekend? No, it’s not just you–recreational fishing is on the up and up. According to reports from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and our own Outdoor Foundation, fishing is now the second-most popular outdoor activity among adults, with 15.6 million participants in 2016.

Trump Touts Job Growth But Needs a Tutorial on the Rec Economy

Trump recently released an ad touting his accomplishment of adding 500,000 new jobs to the American economy since taking office. What he neglected to mention, though, is that his executive orders on public lands are simultaneously putting at risk the 7.6 million jobs supported by the outdoor industry. Outside Magazine breaks it down. How can you ensure public lands remain the backbone of outdoor industry jobs? Advocate to protect public lands, and therefore, your career.

Nature, The Ultimate Canvas for Outdoorsy Artists

What happens when an artist with an affinity for repurposing scrap materials meets the edges of Copenhagen’s wilderness? You can find out for yourself, if you follow a treasure map or solve poetic riddles. Thomas Dambo is the artist behind six enormous wooden giants currently lurking in trees and below bridges in the Danish outdoors. His installations are part of an effort to lure folks outside to lesser-traveled areas around Copenhagen. Read more about the project combining art and public lands here.

PSA: Instagram Responsibly

Ah, the soothing sounds of birds chirping, bubbly creeks, rustling wind, and…the whirring drones? What happens when tech and nature collide? In this informative piece, The Guardian investigates. Between noise pollution from overhead drones and chi-rattling selfie snappers getting too chummy with wildlife, technology is harshing some outdoorists mellow. For the record: We’re all about snagging jammers for Instagram while playing outside, but remember to shoot those shots responsibly.

You’ve Heard of Storytelling, Now Upgrade to Storyshowing

We all know the old adage: Don’t tell, show. We also know that words like “authenticity” are driving forces behind how outdoor brands are evolving to communicate and create better relationships with consumers. So what does this blog from the Nutrition Industry Executive have to do with the outdoor industry? A lot, when it comes to how we bring stories to life. The piece uses OIA member Timberland as an example of good storytelling and how industry-wide indexing helps create transparency for conscious consumers. Higg Index, anyone?

Want more from the industry? Check out last week’s ICYMI and tweet us with your finds for the top outdoor stories for next week’s edition.

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VIDEO: Raise Your Voice

Your story matters and can make a difference when it comes to local, state and federal outdoor recreation and trade policy. Hear what your OIA peers are saying about the value and impact of advocacy, and find out how you can join the effort.